Maersk launches Halifax-Rotterdam live lobster service

COPENHAGEN-based Maersk Line is to launch a service from Halifax to Rotterdam to meet demand for live lobster, crab and mussels by providing "small aquariums in a container" supplied by specialist logistics firm Aqualife.

The 20 tank units per reefer box have been developed and patented by the two Danish companies to use on the transatlantic route, which some say could produce US$244.1 million a year.

Maersk reefer cargo manager Thomas Eskesen said the time is right to go from Halifax and provide a competitive alternative to the traditional air freight route for live seafood.

"It is a very exclusive product because the value of the lobster, crab and mussels is high," he said in a Reuters report, adding that the fact the shellfish are within natural environment rather than packed in ice.

With the recent air traffic disruption in Europe from volcanic ash, the choice of seafreight is attractive who have traditionally relied on air freight.

(Source: www.schednet.com)